AUBURN HILLS, Mich.,
May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
44th annual BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award has been awarded to
engineers Charles Becnel,
Patrick Luke and Christophe Marques from Mezzo Technologies and
Tino Belli from Andretti AutoSport
for developing the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator. Designed to fit in
the same space and use the same connectors as existing radiators,
the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator significantly reduces coolant
temperature with reliable, robust performance. Earlier this year,
the IndyCar Series approved the technology for use by all
teams.
Increased cooling capacity results in better engine performance
and greater horsepower. Unlike conventional radiators that rely on
fin designs to transfer heat, the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator uses
nearly five miles of stainless steel micro tubes measuring less
than 0.5 mm (1/50 of an inch) in diameter to reduce engine
temperatures up to 8 degrees C (14 degrees F). A corrugated
arrangement also increases heat transfer while keeping pressure
losses low. Developed by Mezzo Technologies in close cooperation
with Andretti AutoSport, the innovation achieved significant
results in scale models, wind tunnel testing and in IndyCar. The
technology is now being evaluated by other race series as well as
the aviation industry.
Presented to engineers by engineers, the Louis Schwitzer Award rewards individuals with
the courage and passion to explore and develop new concepts in
racing technology. BorgWarner sponsors this prestigious
$10,000 award, which is presented by
the Indiana Section of SAE International. The winners' names are
added to the Schwitzer trophy on permanent display at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
The award was initiated in 1967 to recognize a true automotive
pioneer. The winner of the first auto race at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway (IMS) in 1909, Louis
Schwitzer's fame came not as a professional race car driver,
but as an automotive engineer. After working in the automotive
industry for many years, Louis founded the Schwitzer Corporation,
which produced innovative cooling fans, water pumps and
turbochargers. The Schwitzer Corporation joined BorgWarner in 1999.
Throughout his career, Louis enjoyed numerous technological
accomplishments, supported higher education, led the IMS technical
committee for many years and maintained a strong association with
SAE.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based
BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly
engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain
applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates
manufacturing and technical facilities in 61 locations in 19
countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota,
Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler,
Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address
for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.
SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.